Tragedies remind everyone to drive with aloha

April 4, 2013

In an eerily similar tragedy to the one that took the life of a young Lahaina man just four months ago, another West Side teenager has perished in a traffic accident on Honoapiilani Highway at Olowalu.

Nineteen-year-old Jared K.S. Alvarez was traveling northbound through Olowalu at about 2:30 a.m. after a night shift at Kahului Airport when the one-car accident occurred. He was ejected from the car and died at the scene.

Just four months ago, 21-year old Blaze Kalilikane perished nearby on the same roadway in the early morning hours that day.

Like Kalilikane at Lahainaluna High School, Alvarez was beloved as a kindhearted friend and teammate on the football team at Kamehameha Schools Maui.

Following the tragedy, shocked classmates of Alvarez described him as a brother to all and a teammate who gave his all on the football field.

It is indeed with heavy hearts that the West Side community bereaves the passing of another one of our brightest, youngest stars - the ones that bring joy and comfort to all that are blessed to have known them.

Our consolation comes in knowing that Alvarez now rests in eternal peace.

We send our sincere condolences to the Sylva and Alvarez families and friends, with our prayers as a constant reminder of the richness and value of his spirit.

Perhaps, too, this tragedy will help us realize the care with which we all must pay to driving here on Maui. It would behoove us all to take a moment as we get behind the wheel to relax and focus on the task at hand, put the electronic devices aside, slow down and enjoy the ride.

Please, please drive with aloha - not only for yourself, but also for all of the loved ones in your life.